NEW YORK, Dec 12 Reuters Six U.S. lawmakers wrote to the Federal Trade Commission FTC on Monday expressing their opposition to the proposed 24.6billion acquisition of grocery chain operator Albertsons by peer Kroger Co, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.

Kroger and Albertsons have said they expect to complete their merger by early 2024, once the FTC completes its antitrust review.

Senators Elizabeth Warren, Mazie Hirono, Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker and representatives Summer Lee and Alexandria OcasioCortez said in the letter that Kroger39;s proposal to divest 413 stores to CS Wholesale Grocers would not address harms to consumers, workers, and the grocery industry if the merger is allowed.

The lawmakers are arguing that store divestitures as a remedy to mega mergers often fail to maintain competitive conditions, because companies have an incentive to ensure that the businesses they spin off do not succeed.

CS, which secured financial backing from SoftBank Group Corp for its deal with Kroger, operates primarily as a supplier rather than a grocerystore operator. It currently has around two dozen stores under the Grand Union and Piggly Wiggly brands.

Krogers merger with Albertsons will mean workers gain from 1 billion in higher wages, expanded benefits, longterm job security, and a strong unionized workforce. The merger will also mean lower prices and more choices for fresh food for customers and more investments in our communities, a Kroger spokesperson…